and may god bless america's building trades. [applause] >brothers and sisters, it is truly great honor to introduce our first speaker. he served in the united states senate for 36 years, and at every step of the way, he not only established himself as a national leader, but as a guardian. he continues that work as vice president of the united states where he supervises the implementation of the recovery act. he is also the share of that middle-class task force, the initiative that will raise the standards of living for all working families. joe biden knows that a strong middle-class equals a strong america, and he is in a class by himself, i can assure you of that. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce a great american, a vice president of the united states, joe biden. ♪ [applause] >> thank you. hey, guys! thank you. thank you. thank you all very, very much. thank you. [cheers] thank you. thank you very much. you are going to make me feel better, i am sure. thank you folks. thank you so much.